Dr. Don Kinard

Aerospace manufacturers face critical supply chain weaknesses….. including supplier dependence, global disruptions, and quality control issues. This article offers actionable strategies for business leaders to mitigate risks, such as diversifying suppliers, enhancing relationships, investing in visibility and technology, and developing contingency plans. Strengthen your supply chain to ensure production continuity and maintain competitiveness. Read more at  https://lnkd.in/dW9TuRWJ for detailed insights. #Aerospace #SupplyChain #Efficiency #Innovation #ContinuousImprovement

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"Aerospace executives were about 18 times more likely to mention supply-chain-related terms, such as “shortages,” during earnings calls in 2022 than they were in 2014"? This is why Quest One Aerospace has changed the conversation from "transactional" to "solutions providing". If you want a different result, start thinking differently. Thoughts? Send your comments and inquiries to learn more. #aviation #aerospace #supplychain #aircraftproduction #MRO https://lnkd.in/eywMuq-4

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Are you having trouble figuring out what it takes and how much it will cost to win your next aerospace and defense contract? Our solutions can help! Our "what if" scenario process provides you with the insights you need to position yourself competitively and develop the strongest bid strategy. Find out how now: https://lnkd.in/e7hJcziE #pricingstrategy #pricinganalysis #pricetowin

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For several years I had the pleasure of co-teaching an Aerospace Engineering course focused on project design. In the class we spent several weeks discussing and assessing risk. Key questions that we mapped on a matrix were: 1) what is the "probability" that something might occur and how often, and 2) what impact might that have on the project/organization ("severity"). By mapping, it helps the project design team know where to focus their time and resources. ❌ If something is very severe but is not likely to occur, does the team really need to spend time worrying about it? ✔ On the other hand, if something has a moderate impact but occurs on a regular basis, then you probably should deal with that risk. Assessing risks can really help with time management and resource allocation! Be mindful though that risk can alter through various stages of the project - your team will want to update the matrix as you begin implementing. #riskassessment #timemanagement #resourceallocation #ManagementTradecraft

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The toughest challenges present an opportunity to pioneer. That's why we’re leveraging industry-leading additive manufacturing processes to help the Department of Defense develop hypersonic propulsion components in higher volume, reducing costs with a less fragmented supply chain. https://bit.ly/3wsUL5e

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In Boeing’s latest move involving Spirit AeroSystems they have begun to re-integrate with their supply base. This article explains the reason for Boeing’s reversal on utilizing independent suppliers and specifically in this instance Spirit AeroSystems. Could this be the start of a new trend to right set a philosophy that started decades previously? If so, what that could mean long term for the industry and how do these potential moves effect the employees that work for them? Here at IMPACT Management Services we have over the years helped organizations that are growing through natural growth and/or acquisitions. On the flip side we have also helped organizations that had to downsize through acquisitions, poor sales numbers or the economy itself. When organizations like Boeing decide to acquire a business a lot goes into the planning of employee retention. If your organization is going through rapid growth or even slow growth we are happy to help discuss options on how to hire and/or retain employees for your organization. Reach out to us today to get a better understanding of our data driven models and how we have helped our Client Partners reduce costs and increase employee retention. As always follow us for more industry insight. #Manufacturing #Logistics #Employeeimpact https://lnkd.in/gcZ8bq9A   

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Airbus is leading feasibility studies to develop hydrogen fuel capabilities in partnership with Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta and George Bush Intercontinental airports. This effort aims to bring the world’s first hydrogen-powered commercial aircraft by 2035. Read more about the project here: https://lnkd.in/gWipH7ZZ Key Points: ZEROe program by Airbus focuses on sustainable aviation. FAA aims for 100% sustainable aviation fuel by 2050. Significant investments spurred by the Inflation Reduction Act. Houston's HyVelocity Hydrogen Hub received $1.2 billion. Largest green hydrogen plant in the U.S. now operational in Georgia. #Aviation #Sustainability #HydrogenFuel #GreenEnergy #Innovation #Airbus #FutureOfFlight #ClimateAction #CleanEnergy #ZeroEmissions #SustainableAviation #InflationReductionAct

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📰 On recent aerospace news: Bell Textron Inc. has been selected for Phase 1B of Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Speed and Runway Independent Technologies (SPRINT) X-Plane program. The SPRINT program intends to design, build, and fly an X-plane, an experimental aircraft to demonstrate enabling technologies and integrated concepts necessary for a transformational combination of aircraft speed and runway independence for the next generation of air mobility platforms. In Phase 1A, Bell executed conceptual design review and will move into preliminary design efforts for the SPRINT X-plane. Read more: https://hubs.ly/Q02Bxdmx0 #manufacturer #bostoncenterless #manufacturing #contractmanufacturing #machining #manufacturers #manufacturingindustry #industrial #industrialmanufacturing #aerospace #defense

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Relativity Space 𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐔𝐒 𝐀𝐢𝐫 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐜𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 $8.7𝐦𝐥𝐧 🚀 The CA-based Space organisation develop launch vehicles with 3D printing. In this USAF contract, and working with the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), Relativity is set to explore real-time flaw detection for 3D printing. This will allow them to avoid defects in each layer of #additivemanufacturing Full article below ⤵ https://lnkd.in/eyJTxtC4

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How do standards development organizations (SDOs) help to solve many of the pressing technical issues related to additive manufacturing? President of Aerolytics LLC and SAE International Contributor Bill Bihlman considers how public standards push technology forward and the role of Fullsight in the AM ecosystem in the latest issue of Titanium Today. Read the full article: https://sae.to/3UdZ2Bh

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In my latest Contract Nerds blog, I discuss whether Boeing (the Original Equipment Manufacturer) or Spirit Aerospace (fuselage supplier) is to blame for the failure of the Boeing 737 door plug on a January, 2024 Alaska Airlines flight. Naturally, no contract professional wants their contract to be the subject of a quality failure, especially a publicly visible quality failure. So I dive into how the SOW and specification outlines the quality requirements and the contract Terms and Conditions obligate the supplier to perform according to applicable laws, regulations and corporate policies. Read the full article #boeing #qualityfailure #contractprofessionals

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Take a look at this article to learn more about what it means to be a government contracting resource in aviation and how Greenwood's certifications enhance our services. https://lnkd.in/gdpS5Nc8 #Aerospace #Aerospaceindustry #AerospaceDefense #Governmentprocurement #Procurement #Governmentcontracting #Militarycontracting #Greenwoodgroup #Greenwoodaerospace

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Bell Flight Textron Inc., a subsidiary of Textron Inc., has been down-selected for Phase 1B of Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA)'s Speed and Runway Independent Technologies (SPRINT) X-Plane program. This program aims to develop an experimental aircraft that combines high speed with runway independence, heralding a new era in air mobility. In Phase 1A, Bell successfully executed a conceptual design review and will now move into preliminary design efforts for the SPRINT X-plane. Jason Hurst, Executive Vice President of Engineering at Bell, expressed the company's excitement: “Bell is honored to be selected for the next phase of this revolutionary program and ready to execute preliminary design. We completed our initial risk reduction efforts with our sled test demonstration at Holloman Air Force Base, and we look forward to building on this success with our continued work with DARPA.” Bell’s risk reduction testing at Holloman Air Force Base in late 2023 showcased cutting-edge folding rotor, integrated propulsion, and flight control technologies. Leveraging its extensive investment in High-Speed Vertical Takeoff and Landing (HSVTOL) technology and past X-plane experience, Bell is set to inform the X-plane development for this groundbreaking program. Bell's HSVTOL technology merges the hover capabilities of a helicopter with the speed (400+ knots), range, and survivability of a jet aircraft. With over 85 years of innovation in high-speed vertical lift technology, Bell has pioneered configurations like the X-14, X-22, XV-3, and XV-15 for NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the US Army, and the United States Air Force, continuing its legacy of fast flight from the Bell X-1. This milestone not only underscores Bell's commitment to advancing aerospace technology but also its ongoing collaboration with DARPA to push the boundaries of what’s possible in air mobility. Read the full article on our blog. #AvfoilNews #BellTextron #DARPA #SPRINTXPlane #AviationInnovation #HSVTOL #AirMobility #DefenseTechnology #AerospaceEngineering #XPlane #NextGenAircraft #Aerospace #Innovation #HighSpeedFlight #VerticalTakeoffAndLanding

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One of our systems engineering offerings that has been getting some attention is our System Safety Engineering Services. Safety must be built into the systems. It can't be added after the fact. We can mentor and support your team through the whole product lifecycle - from proposal to development to certification and delivery. #systemsafety #882E #aerospace

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Across-the-board material, manufacturing, and planning improvements were implemented for $30M aerospace manufacturer providing primary aircraft structures for a major defense program. One of the KPIs revealed significant direct production labor efficiency improvements measured relative to fixed time standards. Ensuring on-time purchasing and manufacturing is our specialty. We work with your team to: 📌 Reduce past-due backlogs 📌 Improve on-time shipments 📌 Reduce lead times 📌 Reduce operating costs 📌 Improve capacity planning 📌 Minimize daily struggles 📌 Capture unmet customer demand 👉 Go to our website or to the bottom of the "About" section of my LinkedIn profile to schedule a free no-obligation phone call. #AltemirConsulting #manufacturing #leanmanufacturing #supplychainmanagement #erp #operationsmanagement Ensuring on-time purchasing and manufacturing is our specialty. 👉 Go to https://lnkd.in/gdDHSpmE to schedule a free no-obligation phone call. #manufacturing #leanmanufacturing #supplychainmanagement #erp #operationsmanagement

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Today we proudly announce our strategic collaboration with Piasecki Aircraft Piasecki Aircraft Corporation to deliver upgraded heavy-lift helicopters worldwide. Together, we will upgrade existing Columbia Model 107-II helicopters to a new, more fuel-efficient, powerful and robust configuration – the Columbia Model CHI-107-III. Modifications and testing will take place at Piasecki’s 219,000-square-foot Heliplex facility in Coatesville, Pennsylvania. The Heliplex will also serve as Columbia’s new field site, expanding opportunities on the East Coast. This partnership supports customers in essential services such as emergency response, aerial #firefighting, #forestry, #infrastructure, and #defense. The military variant of the Model 107-II is the CH-46E Sea Knight (Phrog), which served with the U.S. Marine Corps and Navy, as well as allies in Sweden and Japan. David Balevic, CEO, Columbia Helicopters, said: "The new Columbia Model 107-III will transform the heavy-lift helicopter market, providing unrivalled performance and versatility for our customers. We are dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what is possible, and together with our partners at Piasecki, will deliver enhanced heavy-lift aircraft that save lives, protect nations, and build industries for decades to come.” Click on the link below to read more https://lnkd.in/g6_-xXjN #helicopters #aviation #partnership 

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While the 2024 Defense Product Act funding levels are a victory for the #PCB industry, we're starting from scratch with the 2025 budget, which zeros out the account for the Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment program. Executive Director David Schild discusses the long-term strategy for ensuring government investment in the domestic #microelectronics industry. Defense & Aerospace Report #PCBSAct #ChipsDontFloat

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Are you performing critical R&D on your designs? Read our latest free eBook! We explore how aerospace companies incorporate simulation in their product development lifecycle and the design validation software that major companies use today.

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